In today’s fast-moving and busy world, individuals with visual impairments often face challenges when navigating everyday environments. Crowded streets, unfamiliar surroundings, and unexpected obstacles can make mobility more difficult. Thankfully, ongoing technological progress has introduced new tools that support independence and make daily life more accessible. These innovations work alongside long-trusted aids such as canes and guide dogs, offering additional confidence and convenience.
Austrian company Tech-Innovation has developed an innovative mobility aid designed specifically to support visually impaired users. The product, called InnoMake, is a pair of shoes equipped with smart sensors that detect nearby obstacles. When something appears in the user’s path, the sensors send a gentle alert through either vibration or sound, helping the wearer stay aware of their surroundings. This approach allows users to receive information in an intuitive and non-intrusive way while moving through different environments.
The InnoMake system includes features intended to make it practical for everyday use. The sensors can identify obstacles from a distance of half a meter up to four meters, giving users time to respond comfortably. Each sensor fits into a dedicated slot within the shoe and is powered by a rechargeable battery that typically lasts about a week before needing to be charged. A full charge takes approximately three hours. The shoes also come with a free mobile app that allows users to adjust settings, such as preferred alert distance and the type of feedback they would like to receive.
To ensure reliability in a range of weather conditions, the sensors are designed to be water-resistant. An intelligent mode can automatically pause the sensors while the user is seated and reactivate them when movement begins again, helping conserve battery life and improve convenience. Several stores in Austria offer customers the opportunity to try the shoes before purchasing them, making it easier for individuals to experience the features firsthand. This technology represents a meaningful advancement in supporting safe, independent mobility for visually impaired individuals.